Atypical Compression of the Neck by Domestic Hydraulic Platform Lift Classified as Suicidal Asphyxia

Abstract

This contribution reports on a case involving the death of a female with a history of depression in treatment found dead in her house, with her neck compressed by a hydraulic lift elevator used for domestic purposes. The manner of death was determined as suicide based on an on-scene investigation and witness testimony along with a comprehensive postmortem examination. This case is reported on the grounds of its rarity and it highlights the potential danger of using advanced domestic equipment in the elder people’s residencies, especially those having a mental state of self-destruction.